Training of SWAT personnel begins Monday, says IGP

Training for personnel of the special weapons and tactics (SWAT) recently announced to replace the disbanded special anti-robbery squad (SARS) will commence on Monday, the Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, has said.

A statement on Sunday by the police force spokesman, Frank Mba, quoted the IGP as saying that SWAT would operate within “high professional and ethical standards, rule of law and dictates of best international policing practices.”

He added, “The IGP reiterates that no personnel of the defunct Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) will be a member the new tactical team. He notes that the officers selected for the training are young, smart and energetic officers who have acquired not less than seven (7) years working experience with clean service records – no pending disciplinary matters, no record of violation of rights of citizens or misuse of firearms – and are physically fit to withstand the rigour of SWAT Training and Operations.”

He also said all the selected officers would be subjected to physical fitness test, medical and toxicology screening, stressing that those found unsuitable would be discharged.

The statement said, “The ICRC, an independent International human rights and humanitarian support organization with over 71years of experience in humanitarian services and institutional support and development, will provide resource persons and materials to handle the human rights components of the training programme.

“Specifically, they will handle topics touching on humanitarian laws, police conduct in conflict situation, human rights standard especially in the use of force and firearms, arrest and detention amongst others.

“Other areas of the training program will include modern-day police ethics and values, Intelligence-led policing, Operation planning/Tactical decision-making processes, Hostage rescue tactics and operation, weapon handling, first aid/basic life-saving skills, stress/fear management, police-citizens relations and emotional intelligence etc.

“The training modules will be handled by other carefully selected development partners, security experts as well as veterans from the civil society and human rights community.”

Mba quoted the IGP as asking the training coordinators to ensure a diligent and timely delivery of the tactical team.

He said the immediate establishment of a new tactical team was in view of the need to fill the void created by the dissolution of the defunct SARS “particularly during the ‘EMBER Month’ traditionally characterized by an upsurge in armed robbery and other violent crimes in the country.”

He enjoined citizens to be patient and believe in the reform processes which are all “directed at ensuring the security, safety and rights of all”.

Mba said the police would work with other development partners for the training of the team taking place at the Police Mobile Force (PMF) Training School, Ila Oragun, Osun State and the PMF Training School, Ende Hills, Nasarawa State.